A heritage hotel set beside the distinguished Promenade des Anglais at the entrance of the Golden Square might sound intimidating, but Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel is anything but unapproachable. Effortlessly chic, the renovated 19th-century architectural jewel on Nice’s prominent boardwalk opened its doors under the auspices of the luxury hotel group last year, following an extensive makeover in the hands of award-winning designers and architects including Jean-Paul Gomis and David Collins Studio, each united by their extraordinary approach to craftmanship, each paying homage to the Neo-classical style of the original building.
From the outside, with its palace-inspired golden façade and Bentley-lined curb, the property is unquestionably grand, but once inside, is when the five-star hotel truly reveals itself. Abuzz with stylish guests from all corners of the globe, Les Colonnades lobby lounge is the beating heart of the hotel, serving pots of tea and macarons by day, and champagne and caviar after dark. Previously the stomping ground for aristocrats and heads of state, Anantara has expertly curated a sophisticated abode that is both intimate and inviting.
The hotel’s dreamy dwellings – of which there are 151 rooms and 38 suites – offer views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea or manicured gardens. The crème de la crème is the sprawling Albert 1st Presidential Suite with its stylish living and dining room, plush bedroom, marble-laden bathrooms and private entertaining terrace – on which breakfast should be enjoyed in a fluffy robe and slippers. Cloaked in luxurious textiles in earthy tones, silk wallpaper and Italian walnut floors, the suite’s attention to detail is remarkable.
And then there’s the food. Overseen by Olivier da Costa, the Portuguese chef with thirteen restaurants to his name, SEEN by Olivier, situated on the hotel’s rooftop, invites guests on a gastronomic voyage across contemporary Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. Highlights include niçoise specialties subtly scented with black truffles from the nearby village of Le Rouret, to briny sea urchins and plump oysters from local waters. Plant-based palettes will appreciate customised creations, including the delightfully sticky miso-glazed eggplant. Be sure to arrive at sunset to witness the glorious cotton-candy sky from the terrace.
A visit wouldn’t be complete without a post-dinner tipple at Rosa, La Plage by Whispering Angel, the hotel’s ephemeral rooftop bar where rosé-infused cocktails are the star of the show. Don’t miss the Negroni Rosato, a blushing nod to the famed classic crafted from rosé, Martini Rouge and bitters.
Daytimes can be spent strolling the sun-soaked Promenade des Anglais or meandering through the pastel-hued buildings and backstreets of nearby Vieux Nice, the city’s old town. For those that prefer something a little more adventurous, the hotel has recently partnered with legendary French freediver and star of documentary film, Sunny Boy, Arthur Guérin-Boëri, to offer freediving lessons as an exciting new way to explore the French Riviera.
Back at the hotel, the marine theme continues at Anantara Spa with its Oceanic Bliss Ritual, a multi-sensory treatment using Thailon’s sea-inspired products to calm the mind, body and spirit.
Radiating sophistication in a classic-meets-contemporary fashion, Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel is an urban hideaway where no detail is overlooked, and the people watching from your terrace or balcony is second to none.
